Revealed: 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan

May 22, 2018, 10:32 amby Byron Hurd‹›

The AMG E43 replacement packs more power and equipment.

The new lineup of Mercedes-Benz's mid-range AMG models is finally taking shape. Today, we have our first in-depth look at the upgrades to the E-Class Sedan variant, featuring the company's new inline-six engine backed by a 48V mild hybrid system.

We got our first look at the new AMG 53 variants back in Detroit, but today's announcement marks the formal introduction of the U.S.-spec 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan. Replacing the E43 and serving to introduce the luxury midsize market to the company's new powertrain tech, it features an all-new, three-liter, 429-horsepower I6 packing EQ Boost. The 396-horsepower biturbo V6 featured in the old E43 model is officially out. The nine-speed automatic remains.

Despite the notorious punch delivered by electric assist in most (even mild) hybrid vehicles, the E53 actually boasts the same torque output as the old E43--"just" 384lb-ft--despite the bump in power. That's because the new EQ Boost system works only momentarily to provide additional punch (184lb-ft of it), and isn't factored in to the total power output. It effectively acts to supplement torque output in the brief periods when the turbocharger has not yet spun up.

Since we're talking about a car tuned by AMG right out of the gate, it was already well-equipped to handle what was effectively a 400-horsepower output, but with the E53 Mercedes-Benz saw fit to increase the electronic top speed limiter to 130 miles per hour, and fitted the new sedan with correspondingly (though not drastically) larger brake rotors.

To mark the E53 refresh, Mercedes also gave the sedan some aesthetic upgrades. The hood is now adorned with two "power bulges" (their words, not ours) which happen to look suspiciously crease-like, and the rear decklid and exhaust finishers are new as well.

Inside, the 2019 E53 sedan gets a new steering wheel in black Nappa leather with red vertical stitching marking the center-line. Mercedes-Benz says the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan will go on sale late this year.